You like to be in the middle of it all.

So trek over to El Centro D.F., the new 14th Street taqueria and tequileria from the minds behind Zengo and Masa 14.

In the dining room, you can fill up on traditional Mexican dishes like tamales, carne asada, tacos (try the shrimp alambre with bacon and oaxaca cheese), and enchiladas (go for beef brisket with entomatado sauce and crema fresca).

Head to the lower-level bar to tipple 200 types of tequila and mezcal. Take it straight up or go for a cocktail with herbs, botanicals, and house-made bitters.

Then kick back on the roof with a homemade soda or Mexican beer cocktail (with smoked bacon garnish) while DJs spin through the night.

That gets right to the heart of things.

El Centro D.F., 1819 14th Street NW, between S and T Streets (202-328-3131 or elcentrodf.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Richard Sandoval Restaurants

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